severe rash

[micheleric]

My husband started cutting wood in the fall, he cut wood that was already cut down & seasoned. Then he cut down trees & cut them up. He started with a rash on his arms & ankles over a month ago, then spead to his privates. He used Benadryl & creams and it had cleared up and was about gone. Then deer season came, he wore several layers of cloths, insulated coveralls & an insulated coat. The rash started back and now its on back, chest, neck, butt, rectum, arms & now starting on his legs, after thinking about it he did lean against some trees. The rash is large red welts, itchy and some on his back were warm. He had several days last week of weakness and achy feeling and very tired. He doesn't want to go to a doctor unless he has to because he doesn't have insurance. What could be causing this? Is there anything we can do?  Thanks

[micheleric]

We will try that. Thank you very much for responding.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it looks like the rash is due to hives. Hives (medically known as urticaria) are red, raised areas of skin that appear in varying shapes and sizes. Apply calamine lotion or some mild steroid cream and also give some Benadryl( causes drowsiness) and Claritin. If the symptoms persist then a dermatologist’s evaluation will be the best. Sweat dermatitis, heat rash and contact dermatitis has to be ruled out.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.